The idea sprouted from this one instance. 
When Plains & Prints founder Roxanne Farillas met a Portuguese couple on the plane, she sparked a conversation with them about their trip to the Philippines. “Oh, how was your trip? Where did you go?” she asked. And it was when they replied, “We went to the beaches: El Nido, Boracay, Cebu,” that she realized how uninterested tourists are in the country’s capital.

Some of us call the metropolitan home, but the many who don’t simply pass through Manila from international areas to be able to get to local Philippine destinations. Though there is no doubt our national beaches are absolutely breathtaking and easily some of the best tourist attractions the world—or at least this side of the world—has to offer, there is something quite distasteful about Manila not getting the recognition it deserves as a capital region.

“The iconic sites depict the very rich history and culture of the city of Manila. So, it’s just right to promote it,” says Honey Lacuna, mayor of Manila, whose goals have aligned with those of the Filipina-owned fashion giant.
 

For its new collection, Plains & Prints has teamed up with artist and photographer Mark Nicdao in capturing the essence of our national heritage. With the City of Manila as its focal point, the photographs showcase architectural landmarks, all of which play a significant role in Philippine history. From elegant tops, to bottoms, to dresses, and even accessories like hats and tote bags, the homegrown brand cleverly uses these shots as patterns and images on the fabric to be used for production.

“My favorite experience shooting the whole thing is really walking around,” beams the acclaimed photographer, sharing his personal feelings about the job. “Exploring those places up close, trying to find something distinct to that location was really exciting. Walking around Manila and really seeing the sites and imagining them on the clothes was pretty amazing and unforgettable.”
Mark explored Paco Park, Rizal Park, the Metropolitan Theater, the Clock Tower, Intramuros, and the National Museum. His photographs, as it turned out, are visual anecdotes of a time that once was, a time we only study in history class, a time whose essence we can never truly capture in these modern days. It is, however, of utmost importance to try.

“With this collection, we’re highlighting the beauty of Manila and trying to change people’s perspective, especially the younger generation’s,” says Farillas. “This collaboration that we’re doing will create interest again for them to explore Manila and to understand the beauty of [it], the culture, and the heritage. [Manila] being our capital, I think it’s just right that people, especially the younger generation, understand and see Manila in a different light.”

As someone from that generation myself, I share the same sentiments. Last Monday, while I was on the way to the National Museum of Natural History to view and celebrate this collection, my dad, who was in the car with me, said something along the lines of, “You know, ang ganda ng Manila (Manila is so beautiful), yet all of these structures parang sayang lang (are maybe going to waste).” I agreed, as we drove closer to the area and as I practically gawked at the grandness of the museum buildings. It’s been a while since I last paid a visit, and it made me feel quite guilty that I almost forgot how beautiful old Manila is.

“Of course you’re proud to be wearing such iconic landmarks that are in Manila. So, I think these are staple pieces you should have in your archive,” muses award-winning actress Anne Curtis, whom the brand has handpicked to help bring this story to life.

Just in time for national tourism month, the Plains & Prints x Mark Nicdao collection serves as a love letter to the cultural beauty of our capital. Its flaws and rough edges notwithstanding, the place still continues to emanate a certain glow, one that reminds us of coming home. And, as Farillas put it, “With this, they can see in the pictures, they can see in the clothes that Manila is still as beautiful as it was before.”

Shop this iconic and one-of-a-kind collection in-store or by visiting www.plainsandprints.com.